5 Cheapest Places To Live in America

By Andrea N. Browne, Kiplinger.com September 21, 2011

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Don’t mess with Texas when it comes to affordability. Major metropolitan areas in the Lone Star State reign supreme on Kiplinger’s annual ranking of the least expensive places to live in the U.S. Indeed, all of our picks are cities located either in Texas or the heartland of middle America.
The cities on our least-expensive list all have housing prices well under $250,000; homes in one city average less than $200,000. Overall cost of living in these metro areas falls 15% to 20% below the national average.

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We ranked the least expensive places to live using data from the U.S. Census (metropolitan statistical areas only) and the ACCRA Cost of Living Index, which is assembled by the Council for Community and Economic Research. The index measures relative prices in several categories, including consumer goods, housing, transportation, utilities and health care, to come up with a composite score for each city. The national average is 100. So a score below 100 indicates a lower cost of living.
Here are the five cheapest places to live in the U.S.:

Monthly apartment rents in Sherman average at $595.

 5. Sherman, Tex.
Cost of Living Index: 86
Metro Population: 117,913
Median Household Income: $45,171
Average Home Price: $213,485
Located 60 miles north of Dallas, the Sherman metropolitan area includes Denison and Pottsboro. The population is the lowest of any of the city metro areas that comprise our least-expensive list. Families make up about 70% of the population. Health care is one of the leading industries, providing one of the highest median incomes in our least-expensive rankings. The extra money can go a long way, considering the relatively affordable costs of food and utilities. Monthly apartment rents run just $595, on average.

Grocery and utility costs in Forth Smith are low. Photo: Courtesy of Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau

4. Fort Smith, Ark.
Cost of Living Index: 85
Metro Population: 288,468
Median Household Income: $37,363
Average Home Price: $235,168

Nestled in a bend of the Arkansas River and bordering Oklahoma, the Fort Smith metro area includes Van Buren and Ozark. Low prices for groceries and utilities make it a budget-friendly place, as does a meager average rent of just $456 per month. Owning a home runs a bit higher than some other cities on our least-expensive list, but the average cost of a house is still $320,000 less than in San Diego, the tenth-ranked city on our most-expensive list.

Fort Hood includes a major U.S. Army base. Photo: Courtesy of Killeen Convention & Visitors Bureau

3. Ft. Hood, Tex.
Cost of Living Index: 84.8
Metro Population: 368,682
Median Household Income: $46,183
Average Home Price: $210,383

The Fort Hood metropolitan area, which includes Killeen and Temple, is about 60 miles north of Austin, the capital of Texas. The local economy is anchored in part by a major U.S. Army base. The high concentration of soldiers and military families may help explain why close to 15% of the population is 25- to 34-year-olds. Rent averages $596, and home prices are among the five least expensive in our ranking.

Pueblo has the lowest average home price. Photo: Courtesy of David Shankbone

2. Pueblo, Colo.
Cost of Living Index: 84.1
Metro Population: 153,814
Median Household Income: $40,805
Average Home Price: $194,302

Located about 100 miles south of Denver, Pueblo has an enviable combination of decent paychecks and super-low housing costs. Median household income ranks in the top five among the cities on our least-expensive list, yet the average home price is the lowest here. Grocery prices are higher relative to a place like Brownsville, where a T-bone steak, for example, will run you about $8.49. The same cut of beef costs about a buck more in Pueblo. The metropolitan area includes Boone, Avondale and Stone City.

The cheapest city sits right by the Gulf of Mexico. Photo: Courtesy of Joe Mazzola

1. Brownsville, Tex.
Cost of Living Index: 80
Metro Population: 383,171
Median Household Income: $30,034
Average Home Price: $209,177
This metro area, which includes Harlingen and San Benito, is at the southwestern tip of the Lone Star State, hard against the Mexican border. The Gulf of Mexico and the popular beaches of South Padre Island are just a stone’s throw away. Rents in Brownsville average $659, more than four times cheaper than New York, the most expensive city in our annual rankings, where rents average $2,778. Utilities can be pricey, but costs for groceries and other consumer goods are exceptionally low. An affordable South Texas alternative to Brownsville is the McAllen metro area, just an hour’s drive away along the Rio Grande.

Click here to see all 10 Cheapest Places To Live


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The two-faced cat: Frank and Louie ‎!

 

 

 

In this Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011 photo, a cat with two faces, named Frank and Louie, one name for each face, is held by the cats owner, who identified herself only as Marty, at their home in Worcester, Mass. The animal is known as a Janus cat, named for the figure in Roman mythology with two faces on one head. The owner calls the face on the left Frank, while the face on the right is identified as Louie. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Posting source: http://in.news.yahoo.com/photos/frank-and-louie-the-two-faced-cat--1317357442-slideshow/wednesday-sept-28-2011-photo-cat-two-faces-photo-132638847.html

Miranda Kerr takes to the catwalk in Paris

By Jade Watkins

Last updated on 1st October 2011

As a Victoria's Secret model, Miranda Kerr no doubt has a large legion of male admirers.
But her biggest fan is clearly her husband Orlando Bloom, who watched with pride as she took to the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week today.
The 34-year-old actor sat front row and centre to watch his stunning 28-year-old wife glide down the runway, modelling for Christian Dior's spring/summer 2012 show.

Catwalk queen: Miranda Kerr took to the runway today for Christian Dior's at Paris Fashion Week and right, later modelled for Lanvin 

At one point, he even pulled out his own camera to capture snaps for the family album.
He is among a host of stars in the City of Lights for the event, including Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, Crazy, Stupid Love's Julianne Moore and celebrity stylist turned reality TV star Rachel Zoe.

His Australian supermodel wife looked stunning in asymmetrical gown featuring a pale pink tiered skirt with a black lace top overlay.

So proud: Orlando Bloom took photographs from the front row

Mixing with the fashion crowd: Orlando smiled and a shared a laugh with blonde model Poppy Delevigne before the show started

The look was paired with gold strappy stilettos and a filigree gold bangle on her right arm.
The brunette beauty had her hair swept back and wore a swiping of ruby red lipstick on her lips.
Orlando smiled and a shared a laugh with blonde model Poppy Delevigne before the show started.
The actor looked dapper in a dark grey shirt paired with dark indigo jeans.
Throughout the day, Miranda was also spotted attending other fashion show.

Stealing the show: The Australian supermodel looked stunning in asymmetrical gown, featuring a pale pink tiered skirt with a black lace top overlay

Pre-show jitters? Orlando was backstage before the show - his wife was calm and collected but he seemed a little hot and bothered

She showed off her legs in a pair of leather mini shorts, which she paired with a basic white t-shirt.
She accessorised with a pair of fuschia heels, a black leather designer satchel and black wayfareres.
Miranda, Orlando and their eight-month-old son Flynn are currently residents in Paris for Fashion Week.

Earlier in the week, Orlando couldn't hide his joy as he was reunited with Flynn at Heathrow Airport in London after Miranda had returned with her son from a trip to America and Europe.

Here come the girls: Rachel Zoe, Julianne Moore and Leighton Meester are all in the city for the fashion event 

Delighted to seen his baby boy, Orlando playfully lifted Flynn, who looked cute in a striped all-in-one, into the air, causing the baby to burst into laughter.
Bringing him back down to his level, Orlando pulled little Flynn in for a big hug and kiss.
But Flynn didn't even have time to settle in London before he was being taken to France with his parents.
The family were spotted looking slightly tired as they arrived in Paris on Wednesday.
However, after a good night's sleep, Miranda was back in fine form, and showed off her incredible figure in a tiny leather skirt as she fitted in some retail therapy in the French capital.

Taking Paris by storm: Miranda put on a leggy display off the catwalk and right, with her husband and son Flynn earlier in the week

The Victoria's Secret star was snapped walking through the Parisian streets with a couple of male friends, possibly her assistants, possibly her stylists.
Miranda was strolling on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, considered to be Paris's, if not the world's, most fashionable street.
Every global fashion house has a store along the street and Miranda made the most of the fashions on offer as she popped into Chanel and was seen outside Lanvin.

Ethereal: The Christian Dior show featured a series of floaty creations

Posting source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2043852/Orlando-Bloom-sits-row-stunning-wife-Miranda-Kerr-takes-catwalk-Paris.html

The mysterious case of Kate's disappearing ring

By Tamara Abraham

Last updated on 1st October 2011

It is probably the most famous engagement ring in the world. So it didn't take long for a few people to notice that the Duchess of Cambridge's ever-present sapphire and diamond sparkler had mysteriously vanished yesterday.
Catherine, who was with her husband, Prince William, for the opening of a new cancer centre, was wearing the £250,000 Garrard ring, once owned by Princess Diana, when she arrived at the Royal Marsden in south London.
It was a distinctive shock of colour against her oatmeal-coloured Amanda Wakeley dress.

Mysterious case: The Duchess of Cambridge was wearing her sapphire engagement ring when she arrived at the Royal Marsden in London yesterday (left) but it had vanished by the time she left two hours later (right)

But one inside the hospital, the only jewellery remaining on her left hand was her plain gold wedding band.

 

Of course, there was a simple explanation for the missing ring. Rather than misplacing it, or making some ill-timed statement about the state of her marriage, the Duchess had simply stowed it in her LK Bennett clutch bag for hygiene reasons on the advice of hospital staff.

The most famous engagement ring in the world: It didn't take long for a few people to notice that the Duchess of Cambridge's ever-present sapphire and diamond sparkler had vanished

Hospital protocol: The Duchess left her ring and clutch in the care of hospital staff for hygiene reasons. The Duke had removed his jacket, tucked away his tie and rolled his sleeves for the same purpose

A palace source told People magazine: 'The plan was always to take it off when she went into the ward in the same way the Duke and palace staff rolled up sleeves and tucked ties into their shirts.'
They revealed that William's jacket and Catherine's clutch were left in the care of hospital staff while they were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oak Centre.
And before their audiences with young patients, they followed strict hospital protocol by rubbing antiseptic gel onto their hands.

Sparking form: The Duchess also wore a small silver, diamond-studded cross on a chain and diamond earrings by Kiki McDonough, which she was not required to remove

Elegant: Catherine wore an Amanda Wakeley dress with an LK Bennett clutch and heels for the hospital visit

The Duchess also wore a small diamond-studded silver cross on a chain and diamond earrings by Kiki McDonough, which she was not required to remove.
The look was completed by sheer hosiery and her favourite LK Bennett nude patent pumps.
Amanda Wakeley expressed her delight at Catherine choosing her design on Twitter.
She tweeted: 'See The Duchess of Cambridge looking stunning wearing AW'11... She also snapped up the dress in black and gunmetal!'


Posting source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2043946/The-mysterious-case-Kates-disappearing-ring-Why-saw-Duchesss-sapphire-sparkler--gone.html

Danielle Lloyd has a night off with her girlfriends

By Andrea Magrath

Last updated on 30th September 2011

If all had gone to plan, Danielle Lloyd would have been at home right now recovering from childbirth with a five-year-old baby.
But, as her fans well know, the 27-year-old WAG has endured a stressful and emotional summer after her beloved son Harry was born a staggering ten weeks early in July.
With the baby doing well after five weeks at home, the mother-of-two obviously felt he was strong enough to be without her for a couple of days while she enjoyed some time off with her girlfriends.

Time off: Danielle Lloyd is on holiday with her girlfriends in Ibiza

Miss Lloyd escaped to Ibiza with some pals to soak up the sunshine and presumably catch up on some sleep.

 

But her family were never far far from her mind. Danielle tweeted last night: 'Pasha! so nice 2 have a night off from being mum having fun with the girls.' But she added, 'Love my kids & hubby.'
Today, she was clearly missing her sons and fiance Jamie O'Hara after a day apart, and posted a picture of her with her children with the caption, 'Me & my 2 beautiful boys! There (sic) my life love them so much.'

Trim: The mother-of-two showed only the slightest hint of a post-pregnancy bump as she walked around in a pretty blue and white bikini

Miss Lloyd looked relaxed as she enjoyed the beach in Ibiza today, where she and her girlfriends will be attending the summer's closing parties.
She soaked up the sun in a pretty blue and white striped bandeau bikini and aviator sunglasses.
Danielle was pictured wading into the ocean with one of her friends, reclining on a sun lounger and checking in back home on her mobile.
Last weekend, the day she was due to give birth to Harry, the Miss Lloyd took her baby to watch his father play football.

Solo swim: Danielle looked like she was enjoying her break, but tweeted that she was missing her sons and fiance Jamie O'Hara

Fun in the sun: The WAG tweeted that it was 'nice to have a night off' as she enjoyed Ibiza with her girlfriends

She was pictured gazing tenderly at her 11-week-old son as O'Hara, 25, played for his team Wolverhampton against Liverpool.
The mother of two tweeted later: 'took Harry to his first football game today to watch @mrjamieohara at Anfield had a lovely day Xxx'
Only a month ago Danielle tweeted a picture of Harry's tiny hand clasped around her finger, the miniscule nails barely formed.
Harry was released from hospital on August 15, after a tense month-long stay.

Down time: Miss Lloyd lapped up the sunshine on the luxurious day beds

The child battled for his life after he was born ten weeks early, weighing just 4lb 4oz.
He was immediately put on a ventilator to assist with his breathing, but Danielle endured the fright of her life when she visited him in hospital ne day to find that he had pulled it out.
She told OK! magazine: 'I went to see him in hospital one day to find that he'd pulled his ventilator out and his life support had switched off.'
'His breathing was really heavy and there was no oxygen going to his brain and it could've caused brain damage.'

What's for lunch? The group had a laugh as they selected from the menu

'His skin was also discoloured and he was put back on the life support. It was the most terrifying moment of my life and I just sobbed my heart out.'
Harry was put on a life support machine because it was discovered that he had a hole in his heart and that not enough oxygen was getting to his brain.
Danielle, who is also mother to one-year-old Archie with her fiancé Jamie added that Harry will develop normally 'but it'll take him longer'.

Party time: The 27-year-old tweeted pictures of herself in Pasha nightclub and enjoying the sunset at Cafe Mambo

Mother's love: Last weekend Danielle took her beloved baby Harry to watch father Jamie O'Hara play football on the day she was originally due to give birth

Posting source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2043923/Danielle-Lloyd-escapes-Ibiza-girlfriends.html

Want a derriere like Tess Daly’s ?

By Deborah Arthurs

Last updated on 29th September 2011

Perfect posterior: Tess Daly has an aversion to the gym, but still manages to have an amazing figure by following Doug Robertson's tips

Series Nine of Strictly Come Dancing launches this Friday. And as well as unlimited spangly costumes and bad jokes from Bruce Forsyth, one of the show's only certainties is that Tess Daly will be showing off her impressive curves in a range of stunning ballgowns.
The TV presenter is the first to admit that she is blessed with a fast metabolism. But even the former model has to work out for her perfect bum.
Like many women, Tess has an aversion to sweating, which rules out the gym. Instead, the star enjoys yoga, swimming and her personal trainer, Doug Robertson's Perfect Bum method.

Robertson, who can be seen on TV on the Body in Balance channel (bodyinbalancetv), has developed the Perfect Bum techniques over the past six years following on from his work in therapeutic exercise for back pain.
'I developed the workout to help rejuvenate the inactive and sagging muscles around the bum area,' he says. 'By stimulating and reactivating these muscles, your bum and legs will not only regain their former health and proper function, but you'll also reduce lower back pain and help injuries.

 

Robertson's clients - including Tess Daly and Abbey Crouch - claim his workouts have got them in the shape of their lives.
'I've recently discovered theperfectbum.com, which has a fab 10-week Pilates course that concentrates on toning bottoms and the tops of thighs,' says Daly. 'I love it because it gets the required results.'

Fellow former-model fan: Abbey Crouch also uses the Perfect Bum technique

So what are the ingredients for a perfect bottom?
'You need to wake up certain muscles around the hip joints, the bottom and the lower tummy, which have lost their connection with the brain and gone to sleep,' says Robertson.
'Letting these muscles go to sleep causes the muscles to sat and often causes injury because they cease to support the hip joints and spine, which can lead to back pain and hip joint injury.'
The good news is that the gluteus maximus is a big muscle and responds quickly and dramatically to exercise. 'If you reconnect it with simple muscle-activation techniques, you can tone up your bottom fast and see some great firming results.'
'Tess does a lot of stretching and bottom-firming moves,' says Robertson.
'She has two children and after childbirth it's critical to put the pelvis back together because the centre of gravity moves forwards during pregnancy.
'The pelvis tilts forwards around the hip joints, creating an inward curve around the lower back. The pubic bones also move closer to the leg bones, which shortens the hip flexors. If you don't stretch these quickly, the glute muscles turn off, which can also lead to back pain.'
As well as helping you to achieve the Rear of the Year, the other great thing about Robertson's plan is that the exercises don't need to be done in a gym and they don't require lots of space - the perfect solution for busy mother Tess.
Tess also hates the scales. The former model insists she hasn't stepped on the scales for years, after seeing first-hand what extreme dieting can do.
'Starving yourself slim is wrong,' she says.
'When I was modelling I became friends with girls who really did starve themselves. A couple of them ended up anorexic and in hospital - it's a tragedy to see a young girl put herself through that much hardship.'
And if there was one thing she could change? 'My ridiculously large big toes and chicken-skin elbows!'
Robertson doesn't have a workout for that, but use these moves to draw attention to your bum instead.

TESS' PERSONAL TRAINER DOUG ROBERTSON SAYS...

TAKE THE STAIRS
Always take the stairs instead of the lift. You should also climb two stair at a time to bend the knees more and engage your glutes.
DO SQUATS WITHOUT NOTICING
Focus on lunges bridges and squats when getting in and out of a chair. This way you'll do lots of squats every day without even noticing.
DON'T SIT STILL
Don't sit for longer than 20 minutes before adjusting position. Ideally stand, reach up and lean back. This stops your hips from shortening.
MASSAGE YOUR TRIGGER SPOTS
Try massaging your bottom muscles with a massage ball or tennis ball while watching TV. Stand and place the ball between your butt cheek and a wall. Lean against it and shift your body to move the ball and control how hard you're leaning. When you find a trigger point [a sore, tight spot], stop moving and allow the ball to massage the area. When the pain reduces, move on and find your next trigger point. This will help to lessen the amou
FIND OUT MORE
The Perfect Bum course, including exercises and bottom-sculpting techniques, at Doug Robertson's fitness studio in Notting Hill, London, costs from 45. For more information, go to theperfectbum.com. The Perfect Bum DVD is available from bodyinbalance.tv. You can also watch Doug Robertson on Sky channel 275, or download The Perfect But app to your smart phone.

TESS' BOOTYLICIOUS MOVES

Kneeling quad stretch: This move helps your glute muscles fire up again

'The glutes are the driving force of your body,' says Doug Robertson. 'They stablisise the hips, which stabilise the knees and spine. Toned glutes look good too.'

These moves will help you make the most of them.

THE STRETCH

KNEELING QUAD STRETCH

Robertson says: 'This move (right) will lengthen your hip flexors to allow your glute muscles to fire up again.'

Reps: One minute on each side

• Place your left knee on a cushion, placing the ball of your left foot against a wall with your right foot on the floor so that knee is at a 90 degree angle
• Engage your bottom, core and lower tummy muscles to tuck your pelvis under, and reach towards the ceiling with your left arm
• Continue reaching high as you slowly lean to your right side, then return to the start. Repeat on the right leg, leaning to the left

THE FIRMING MOVE

CONTROLLED LEG LIFT

Robertson says: 'To really tone these muscles you have to be able to activate them first. Don't rush this move or use your back muscle to lift your leg.'
Reps: 30 on each leg

Worth the effort! Make sure you keep your knee straight as you lift your leg off the floor

• Lie flat on your front with your forehead resting on your hands.
• Engage your abs and burn muscles to raise your leg slowly towards the ceiling by a few centimetres, keeping your knee straight
• Pause, then slowly lower your leg again

THE FUNCTIONAL EXERCISE

3D LUNGE

Robertson says: 'This isn't your usual lunge. I encourage you to lean forwards slightly because it's the flexing and straightening of the hips that turn the bum muscles on. If you stay upright, you only really target the quads.'
Reps: 15 on each leg

Bend and snap: This isn't your normal lunge, make sure you lean forward a little to get the most out of the move

• Lunge forwards with your left leg, striking the ground with the heel of your foot. Let the knee bend a little, but don't let it go too far forward. Bend at the hips until your body is at a 45 degree angle with the floor (above, left)

• Immediately spring back to standing upright, and then lunge to the lef (above right), again bending at the hips to lean forwards, and return to the start. That's one rep.

Posting source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2042888/Tess-Dalys-personal-trainer-tells-secret-perfect-bottom.html